Cracking Code 6 homes

Buildoffsite: Sustainability is both desirable in new homes and unavoidable as theGovernment has set 2016 as the target for zero carbon homes. The subject isdominating many an agenda as contractors and developers grapple with thechallenge of creating homes that deliver the zero carbon target, yet are profitableand marketable.

The pace of advance is fast, so keeping abreast of change is more importantthan ever. BLP is in the process of insuring a number of new schemes where,when the homes are built, they will be amongst the first in the country to achievesuch a low carbon rating.

Jeff Maxted, Technical Director of BLP explains: “Our flexible approach toinnovation and traditional construction combined with an extensive knowledge ofmodern methods of construction has allowed us to insure a number of newschemes that traditional warranty providers might be reluctant to insure.”For example, BLP has recently agreed new homes insurance on a Code 6development by Catalyst Housing. Working with Willmott Dixon, CatalystHousing is about to start building on a new development at Staines Road,Hounslow.

Tim Nathan, Project Manager at Catalyst Homes explains: “From the outset wehave been committed to building Code 6 properties that will be homes for life –not an experimental scheme where people are housed short term while theproperties are assessed for efficiency.”

He goes on to say: “We have worked with BLP before and their approach to thisproject has, as ever, been refreshingly straight forward because, although theywanted different information in order to process the application for our newhomes insurance, the process was exactly the same and the premiums are nodifferent.

“I am really pleased that people from the housing list will live here and they willreap the benefit of living in such top quality housing with the best levels of energyefficiency,” he concludes.

Jeff Maxted agrees: “The transfer of knowledge between professionals isabsolutely essential to the Zero Carbon agenda. Collaboration and partnering willbe essential to achieving the demanding carbon reduction targets that have beenset and BLP will play our part is supporting our clients to achieve this.”